Cambodian opposition cancels rally, avoids clashes

Cambodia's opposition leader Sam Rainsy of the Cambodia National Rescue Party waves along with his party Vice President Kem Sokha, left, during a march in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday. Pic: AP.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s opposition party has held a symbolic march to avoid possible clashes with authorities, after the government banned it from meeting in one of the capital’s public parks.

Hundreds of riot police and soldiers stood by Sunday to observe the peaceful march.

The government ban was criticized by Amnesty International, which called on authorities “to end their suppression of human rights and fully respect the right to peaceful assembly.”

The opposition had planned to meet in the capital’s Freedom Square. It was the first planned opposition assembly since authorities enforced a ban on public demonstrations in January after a spasm of political violence.

The opposition is challenging the results of a general election last July that they allege was rigged by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling party.